Flywheel System With A Variable Speed Drive
A variable speed drive for a flywheel system can have a first rotatable drive plate for coupling to a rotatable flywheel. The first drive plate can be positioned about an axis of rotation and have a drive surface lying generally laterally, across or transverse to the axis of rotation. A first rotatable drive wheel can have an outer circumference for engaging and being driven by the drive surface of the first drive plate. A generator can be rotatably coupled to the first drive wheel. A first actuator can control position of the first drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the first drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/311,627, filed on Mar. 8, 2010. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDFlywheel Systems used for generating power can include a rotatable flywheel which drives a generator for generating electricity. Over time during use, the rotational speed of the flywheel decreases. In some situations, this can be in an issue, for example if the generator is an AC generator.
SUMMARYThe present invention can provide a flywheel system with a variable speed drive, which can if desired, drive a generator at a constant rotational speed.
In one embodiment, the variable speed drive can have a first rotatable drive plate for coupling to a rotatable flywheel. The first drive plate can be positioned about an axis of rotation and have a drive surface lying generally laterally, across or transverse to the axis of rotation. A first rotatable drive wheel can have an outer circumference for engaging and being driven by the drive surface of the first drive plate. A generator can be rotatably coupled to the first drive wheel. A first actuator can control position of the first drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the first drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator.
In particular embodiments, a control system can control the position of the first drive wheel to provide a constant rotational speed of the generator with changing rotational speed of the first drive plate. The first drive wheel can be rotatably locked to a first drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon. The first actuator can control linear position of the first drive wheel on the first drive wheel shaft. A rotatable power source, such as a motor, can be included. A second rotatable drive wheel can be coupled to the rotatable power source. A second rotatable drive plate can be coupled to the rotatable flywheel. The second drive plate can be positioned about the axis of rotation and have a drive surface lying generally laterally, across or transverse to the axis of rotation. The second drive wheel can have an outer circumference for engaging the drive surface of the second drive plate for rotatably driving the second drive plate, and therefore the rotatable flywheel. A second actuator can control radial position of the second drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the second drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed at which the second drive plate is driven, and therefore the flywheel. The control system can control the position of the second drive wheel to drive the second drive plate at a desired rotational speed. The second drive wheel can be rotatably locked to a second drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon. The second actuator can control linear position of the second drive wheel on the second drive wheel shaft.
The present invention can also provide a flywheel system including a rotatable flywheel mounted on a horizontal flywheel shaft and rotatable about an axis of rotation. A generator drive assembly can be driven by the flywheel. The generator drive assembly can include a first rotatable drive plate mounted to the flywheel shaft for rotation about the axis of rotation and can have a drive surface lying generally laterally, across or transverse to the axis of rotation. A first rotatable drive wheel can have an outer circumference for engaging and being driven by the drive surface of the first drive plate. A generator can be rotatably coupled to the first drive wheel. A first actuator can control position of the first drive wheel relative to radial drive location on the first drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator.
In particular embodiments, a control system can control the position of the first drive wheel to provide a constant rotational speed of the generator with changing rotational speed of the first drive plate. The first drive wheel can be rotatably locked to a first drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon. The first actuator can control linear position of the first drive wheel on the first drive wheel shaft. The flywheel system can include a drive assembly for driving the flywheel to a desired speed. The drive assembly can include a rotatable power source, such as a motor. A second rotatable drive wheel can be coupled to the rotatable power source. A second rotatable drive plate can be mounted to the flywheel shaft for rotation about the axis of rotation and can have a drive surface lying generally laterally, across or transverse to the axis of rotation. The second drive wheel can have an outer circumference for engaging the drive surface of the second drive plate for rotatably driving the second drive plate and the flywheel. A second actuator can control radial position of the second drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the second drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed at which the second drive plate and flywheel are driven. The control system can control the position of the second drive wheel to drive the second drive plate and the flywheel at a desired rotational speed. The second drive wheel can be rotatably locked to a second drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon. The second actuator can control linear position of the second drive wheel on the second drive wheel shaft. The first and second drive plates can be located on opposite sides of the flywheel and can be spaced apart from the flywheel. The drive surfaces of the first and second drive plates can face outwardly relative to the flywheel such that the first and second drive wheels can exert force on the first and second drive plates in generally opposite axial directions relative to the flywheel shaft. An enclosure can surround the flywheel. The first and second drive plates can be located outside the enclosure.
The present invention can also provide a method of driving a generator with a variable speed drive for a flywheel system including coupling a first rotatable drive plate to a rotatable flywheel positioned about an axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation. The outer circumference of a first rotatable drive wheel can engage with the drive surface of the first drive plate for driving the first drive wheel. A generator can be rotatably coupled to the first drive wheel. A first actuator control can position of the first drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator.
In particular embodiments, the position of the first drive wheel can be controlled with a control system to provide a constant rotational speed of the generator with changing rotational speed of the first drive plate. The first drive wheel can be rotatably locked to a first drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon. The first actuator can control linear position of the first drive wheel on the first drive wheel shaft. A rotatable power source such as a motor can be provided. A second rotatable drive wheel can be coupled to the rotatable power source. A second rotatable drive plate can be coupled to the rotatable flywheel, and can be positioned about the axis of rotation and have a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation. The second drive wheel can have an outer circumference for engaging the drive surface of the second plate for rotatably driving the second drive plate, and therefore the rotatable flywheel. A second actuator can control radial position of the second drive wheel relative to radial drive location on the second drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed at which the second drive plate and the flywheel are driven. The position of the second drive wheel can be controlled with the control system to drive the second drive plate at the desired rotational speed. The second drive wheel can be rotatably locked to a second drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon. A second actuator can control linear position of the second drive wheel on the second drive wheel shaft.
The present invention can also provide a method of driving a generator with a flywheel system including mounting a rotatable flywheel on a horizontal flywheel shaft and rotating the flywheel about an axis of rotation. A generator drive assembly can be driven with the flywheel by mounting a first rotatable drive plate to the flywheel shaft for rotation about the axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation. An outer circumference of a first rotatable drive wheel can engage with the drive surface of the first drive plate for driving the first drive wheel. The generator can be rotatably coupled to the first drive wheel. A first actuator can control position of the first drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the first drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator.
In particular embodiments, the position of the first drive wheel can be controlled with a control system to provide a constant rotational speed of the generator with changing rotational speed of the first drive plate and flywheel. The first drive wheel can be rotatably locked to a first drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon. The first actuator can control linear position of the first drive wheel on the first drive wheel shaft. The flywheel can be driven to a desired speed with a drive assembly. A rotatable power source such as a motor can be provided. A second rotatable drive wheel can be coupled to the rotatable power source. A second rotatable drive plate can be mounted to the flywheel shaft for rotation about the axis of rotation and can have a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation. The second drive wheel can have an outer circumference for engaging the drive surface of the second drive plate for rotatably driving the second drive plate and the flywheel. A second actuator can control the radial position of the second drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the second drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed at which the second drive plate and flywheel are driven. The position of the second drive wheel can be controlled with the control system to drive the second drive plate and flywheel at a desired rotational speed. The second drive wheel can be rotatably locked to a second drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon. The second actuator can control the linear position of the second drive wheel on the second drive wheel shaft. The first and second drive plates can be located on opposite sides of the flywheel and spaced apart from the flywheel. The drive surfaces of the first and second drive plates can face outwardly relative to the flywheel such that the first and second drive wheels exert force on the first and second drive plates in generally opposite axial directions. An enclosure can surround the flywheel, and the first and second drive plates can be located outside the enclosure.
The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.
Referring to
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Moving the linear position of the drive wheel 2 changes the radial contact position of the drive wheel 2 on the drive plate 11 relative to the drive surface 28 or center of the drive plate 11 and axis A, thereby changing the drive ratio and the rotational speed at which the drive wheel 2 drives the drive plate 11 and therefore the flywheel 12. As a result, to drive the drive plate 11 and flywheel 12 slower, the drive wheel 2 can be radially adjusted to contact the drive plate 11 near the outer rim of the drive plate 11 and away from the center and axis A. In order to drive the drive plate 11 and the flywheel 12 faster, the drive wheel 2 can be radially adjusted to contact the drive plate 11 closer to the center of the drive plate 11 and axis A. The motor 10 and the linear actuator 4 can be connected to a control system 60 (
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The horizontal or linear position of the drive wheel 2a relative to the generator 10a, drive surface 28, axis A, or the center of the drive plate 11a can be automatically adjusted by a linear actuator 4a to engage different radial locations on the drive surface 28 face of the drive plate 11a for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator 10a so that the generator 10a can be continuously rotated at a constant desired speed, such as 1800 RPM, regardless of the speed that flywheel 12 rotates. For example, as the rotational speed of flywheel 12 changes and decreases over time, the linear actuator 4a can automatically radially move the drive wheel 2a closer to the center of the drive plate 11a and axis A to maintain the same desired speed of generator 10a, for example, 1800 RPM. If the speed of the flywheel 12 changes and increases, the drive wheel 2a can move to outward radial locations on the drive plate 11a away from axis A. Rotating the generator 10a at a constant speed can be desirable, for example when the generator is an AC generator. In some embodiments, 1800 RPM can be suitable for 60 Hz output frequency, and 1500 RPM can be suitable for 50 Hz. In other embodiments, the generator can be a DC generator. The linear actuator 4a and the generator 10a can be connected to the control system 60 which can have sensors 62 and electronics for enabling automatic adjustment to maintain the desired speed. The sensors 62 can include various position sensors and rotational speed sensors associated with some or all of the flywheel 12, shaft 14, drive plate 11a, drive wheel 2a, linear actuator 4a and generator 10a. The linear actuator 4a can be similar to linear actuator 4. The drive wheel 2a can be also moved or positioned, for example, pivoted into horizontal or lateral pressure engagement or traction with drive plate 11a, or for disengagement, by a movable or positionable pivot frame 7a and pivot hub 8a, with an actuator, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.
Referring to
The motor drive assembly 16 can bring the flywheel 12 up to a desired speed and then disengage, allowing the flywheel 12 to rotate freely. The generator drive assembly 18 can be engaged at the desired time to be driven by the flywheel 12 and generate electrical power. The motor drive assembly 16 can be reengaged periodically with the flywheel 12 to bring the flywheel 12 back up to a desired rotational speed, which can be before, during or after power generation. There can be times when both the motor drive assembly 16 and the generator drive assembly 18 are engaged at the same time. The motor drive assembly 16, motor 10, generator drive assembly 18 and/or generator 10a, can include clutches in some embodiments. This can allow the drive wheels 2 and/or 2a to remain engaged with drive plates 11 and 11a. The direction of rotation of the motor 10, generator 10a, flywheel 12, drive plates 11, 11a, and drive wheels 2, 2a, can be chosen as desired. The side of the axis A at which the drive wheels 2 and 2a contact drive plates 11 and 11a, can be chosen to determine the directions of rotation.
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Embodiments of the drive wheel 2 that is driven by the motor 10 (
Embodiments of the drive plate 11 (
The drive ratio between the drive wheel 2 and the drive plate 11 can be varied between the upper and lower ratios by changing the position of the drive wheel 2 relative to the drive plate diameter or radius, to allow the motor 10 to drive the flywheel 12 from 0 RPM up to a desired speed, for example, between 3000 RPM to 6000 RPM in some embodiments, and up to about 10,000 RPM in other embodiments. To initially start rotation of the flywheel 12, the drive wheel 2 can be positioned at the radial starting point outer contact diameter and gradually moved inwardly toward axis A and the center of the drive plate 11 as the speed of flywheel 12 increases, until obtaining the desired speed. In some embodiments, the sizes of the drive wheel 2 and drive plate 11 can be varied as desired to obtain other ratios.
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In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1 and 7-9, the components of the flywheel system 25 can be mounted on a frame 34. The drive plates 11 and 11a can be positioned at opposite axial ends of the flywheel shaft 14, and can be located outside the enclosure 20 surrounding the flywheel 12. The bearings 30 can also be located outside the enclosure 20. As a result, particles generated by bearings 30, or wear between the drive wheels 2 and 2a and the drive plates 11 and 11a do not contaminate the environment within the enclosure 20 surrounding the flywheel 12. In addition, any wear is experienced on the drive plates 11 and 11a and not on the flywheel 12 itself in view that replacement of the drive plates 11 and 11a is usually less costly than repairing or replacing the flywheel 12.
By positioning the drive plates 11 and 11a away from the flywheel 12 with a large or substantial air gap (for example,
The drive surface 28 of the drive plates 11 and 11a in some embodiments does not have to be flat, but can be curved, angled or conical. In such situations, the drive assemblies 16 and 18 and/or the drive wheels 2 and 2a can accommodate or account for such shapes. The bearings 30 supporting the flywheel shaft 14 can be positioned outside the enclosure 20, and can be on pedestals or supports 32. If desired, the enclosure 20 can have seals 19 for sealing around the flywheel shaft 14 in order to maintain the desired environment within the enclosure 20. When the flywheel 12 is rotated about a horizontally positioned flywheel shaft 14, the forces of the drive wheels 2 and 2a on the drive plates 11 and 11a can exert lateral thrust forces on the flywheel shaft 14 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft 14 on axis A towards the flywheel 12, and do not add to the total weight of the flywheel 12 supported by the bearings 30. In situations when the two drive wheels 2 and 2a are simultaneously in contact with the two drive plates 11 and 11a, the force of the drive wheels 2 and 2a against the drive plates 11 and 11a can be in opposite axial directions and can generally cancel each other out. The size or diameter of the drive plates 11 and 11a can be smaller than the diameter of the flywheel 12.
As is evident, the type and size of motor 10 and generator 10a can be varied. In some embodiments, the motor 10 can be omitted and the flywheel 12 can be brought up to speed by mechanical rotatable power source, which can be for example, powered by water or wind. Also, the generator 10a can be a motor/generator. The linear actuators 4 and 4a can be those commercially available, and can be driven by a servo or stepper motor, but in other embodiments, can be driven by pneumatics, hydraulics, electromagnetic forces or a linear motor, or can be other suitable devices or mechanisms. The frames 7 and 7a can in some embodiments, translate linearly into and out of engagement position instead of pivoting. In some embodiments, the ball spline shafts 3 and 3a can be omitted, and the motor 10 and the generator 10a can be moved together with their respective drive wheels 2 and 2a as an assembly, for changing radial positions of the drive wheels 2 and 2a relative to the drive plates 11 and 11a. The flywheel 12, drive plates 11 and 11a and drive wheels 2 and 2a can be positioned in other orientations and along other axes, and moved or rotated in different directions or axes. In addition, the motor drive and generator drive assemblies 16 and 18 can be positioned on the same side relative to the flywheel 12, and in some embodiments, can share a single drive plate, for example, on opposite sides of the drive plate.
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In some embodiments, various features of the drive wheels described can be combined or omitted. In addition, the dimensions can vary depending upon the situation at hand. The outer layer of material 38 in some embodiments can be radiused, such as in the manner of a bicycle tire. In some cases, the outer layer of material 38 can be integrally formed with or in the drive wheel (drive wheel made of same material). In addition, the crown 76 can be made with a very narrow contact edge for point contact.
Referring to
While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
For example, various features described shown can be omitted or combined. In addition, it is understood that sizes and dimensions of the components can vary.
Claims
1. A variable speed drive for a flywheel system comprising:
- a first rotatable drive plate for coupling to a rotatable flywheel positioned about an axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation;
- a first rotatable drive wheel having an outer circumference for engaging and being driven by the drive surface of the first drive plate;
- a generator rotatably coupled to the first drive wheel; and
- a first actuator for controlling position of the first drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the first drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator.
2. The drive of claim 1 further comprising a control system for controlling the position of the first drive wheel to provide a constant rotational speed of the generator with changing rotational speed of the first drive plate.
3. The drive of claim 1 in which the first drive wheel is rotatably locked to a first drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon, the first actuator controlling linear position of the first drive wheel on the first drive wheel shaft.
4. The drive of claim 1 further comprising:
- a rotatable power source;
- a second rotatable drive wheel coupled to the rotatable power source;
- a second rotatable drive plate for coupling to the rotatable flywheel positioned about the axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation, the second drive wheel having an outer circumference for engaging the drive surface of the second drive plate for rotatably driving the second drive plate; and
- a second actuator for controlling radial position of the second drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the second drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed at which the second drive plate is driven.
5. The drive of claim 4 further comprising a control system for controlling the position of the second drive wheel to drive the second drive plate at a desired rotational speed.
6. The drive of claim 4 in which the second drive wheel is rotatably locked to a second drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon, the second actuator controlling linear position of the second drive wheel on the second drive wheel shaft.
7. A flywheel system comprising:
- a rotatable flywheel mounted on a horizontal flywheel shaft and rotatable about an axis of rotation;
- a generator drive assembly driven by the flywheel, the generator drive assembly comprising; a first rotatable drive plate mounted to the flywheel shaft for rotation about the axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation; a first rotatable drive wheel having an outer circumference for engaging and being driven by the drive surface of the first drive plate; a generator rotatably coupled to the first drive wheel; a first actuator for controlling position of the first drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the first drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator.
8. The flywheel system of claim 7 further comprising a control system for controlling the position of the first drive wheel to provide a constant rotational speed of the generator with changing rotational speed of the first drive plate.
9. The flywheel system of claim 7 in which the first drive wheel is rotatably locked to a first drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon, the first actuator controlling linear position of the first drive wheel on the first drive wheel shaft.
10. The flywheel system of claim 7 further comprising a drive assembly for driving the flywheel to a desired speed, the drive assembly comprising:
- a rotatable power source;
- a second rotatable drive wheel coupled to the rotatable power source;
- a second rotatable drive plate mounted to the flywheel shaft for rotation about the axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation, the second drive wheel having an outer circumference for engaging the drive surface of the second drive plate for rotatably driving the second drive plate and the flywheel; and
- a second actuator for controlling radial position of the second drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the second drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed at which the second drive plate and flywheel are driven.
11. The flywheel system of claim 10 further comprising a control system for controlling the position of the second drive wheel to drive the second drive plate and the flywheel at a desired rotational speed.
12. The flywheel system of claim 10 in which the second drive wheel is rotatably locked to a second drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon, the second actuator controlling linear position of the second drive wheel on the second drive wheel shaft.
13. The flywheel system of claim 10 in which the first and second drive plates are located on opposite sides of the flywheel and are spaced apart from the flywheel.
14. The flywheel system of claim 13 in which the drive surfaces of the first and second drive plates face outwardly relative to the flywheel such that the first and second drive wheels exert force on the first and second drive plates in generally opposite axial directions.
15. The flywheel system of claim 14 further comprising an enclosure surrounding the flywheel, the first and second drive plates being located outside the enclosure.
16. A method of driving a generator with a variable speed drive for a flywheel system comprising:
- coupling a first rotatable drive plate to a rotatable flywheel positioned about an axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation;
- engaging an outer circumference of a first rotatable drive wheel with the drive surface of the first drive plate for driving the first drive wheel;
- rotatably coupling a generator to the first drive wheel; and
- with a first actuator, controlling position of the first drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the first drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising controlling the position of the first drive wheel with a control system to provide a constant rotational speed of the generator with changing rotational speed of the first drive plate.
18. The method of claim 16 further comprising rotatably locking the first drive wheel to a first drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon, the first actuator controlling linear position of the first drive wheel on the first drive wheel shaft.
19. The method of claim 16 further comprising:
- providing a rotatable power source;
- coupling a second rotatable drive wheel to the rotatable power source;
- coupling a second rotatable drive plate to the rotatable flywheel positioned about the axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation, the second drive wheel having an outer circumference for engaging the drive surface of the second drive plate for rotatably driving the second drive plate; and
- with a second actuator, controlling radial position of the second drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the second drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed at which the second drive plate and the flywheel are driven.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising controlling the position of the second drive wheel with a control system to drive the second drive plate at a desired rotational speed.
21. The method of claim 19 further comprising rotatably locking the second drive wheel to a second drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon, the second actuator controlling linear position of the second drive wheel on the second drive wheel shaft.
22. A method of driving a generator with a flywheel system comprising:
- mounting a rotatable flywheel on a horizontal flywheel shaft and rotating about an axis of rotation;
- driving a generator drive assembly with the flywheel by, mounting a first rotatable drive plate to the flywheel shaft for rotation about the axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation; engaging an outer circumference of a first rotatable drive wheel with the drive surface of the first drive plate for driving the first drive wheel; rotatably coupling the generator to the first drive wheel; and with a first actuator, controlling position of the first drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the first drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed of the generator.
23. The method of claim 22 further comprising controlling the position of the first drive wheel with a control system to provide a constant rotational speed of the generator with changing rotational speed of the first drive plate.
24. The method of claim 22 further comprising rotatably locking the first drive wheel to a first drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon, the first actuator controlling linear position of the first drive wheel on the first drive wheel shaft.
25. The method of claim 22 further comprising driving the flywheel to a desired speed with a drive assembly comprising:
- providing a rotatable power source;
- coupling a second rotatable drive wheel to the rotatable power source;
- mounting a second rotatable drive plate to the flywheel shaft for rotation about the axis of rotation and having a drive surface lying generally across the axis of rotation, the second drive wheel having an outer circumference for engaging the drive surface of the second drive plate for rotatably driving the second drive plate and the flywheel; and
- with a second actuator, controlling radial position of the second drive wheel relative to radial drive surface location on the second drive plate for controlling drive ratio and rotational speed at which the second drive plate and flywheel are driven.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising controlling the position of the second drive wheel with a control system to drive the second drive plate and the flywheel at a desired rotational speed.
27. The method of claim 25 further comprising rotatably locking the second drive wheel to a second drive wheel shaft while also being linearly slidable thereon, the second actuator controlling linear position of the second drive wheel on the second drive wheel shaft.
28. The method of claim 25 further comprising locating the first and second drive plates on opposite sides of the flywheel and spaced apart from the flywheel.
29. The method of claim 28 further comprising facing the drive surfaces of the first and second drive plates outwardly relative to the flywheel such that the first and second drive wheels exert force on the first and second drive plates in generally opposite axial directions.
30. The method of claim 29 further comprising surrounding the flywheel within an enclosure, the first and second drive plates being located outside the enclosure.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 4, 2011
Publication Date: Dec 1, 2011
Inventors: Frederick E. Morgan (Coral Springs, FL), Christopher V. Barone (Coral Springs, FL)
Application Number: 13/040,742
International Classification: F16H 35/06 (20060101); F16C 15/00 (20060101);